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Disability: Discrimination

Asked by Luke AkehurstLabourDepartment for Work and PensionsTabled Answered 2 December 2025UIN 93919

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking to help prevent retaliatory actions against staff who have made internal disclosures about disability discrimination.

Answered by Andrew Western

As an accredited Disability Confident Leader, the Department for Work and Pensions take seriously its responsibility to support all staff, including those with a disability, who make disclosures about discrimination and preventing any retaliation.

The department has a number of mechanisms, including dedicated harassment, grievance, and HR policies and processes; regular promotion of Speak Up Safely Line and Ambassadors for Fair Treatment providing confidential, and if required anonymous support and guidance. We also provide wellbeing support (including mental health first aiders), as well as promoting a transparent and supportive approach to workplace adjustments, ensuring staff feel safe when disclosing disabilities.

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